10 Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, and it’s located in San Francisco. Over 10 million people cross here yearly by driving, walking, or biking the Golden Gate Bridge. Even though the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen from all sides of San Francisco, finding the best viewpoints is essential. In this guide, we’ll unveil the 10 best spots to view the Golden Gate Bridge, each offering a unique perspective that’ll look surreal in person and on camera. Get ready to explore hidden gems, popular lookouts, and maybe even a few surprises along the way!
1. Battery Spencer
We start our list on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge on a vantage point named Battery Spencer. The once fort now stands as an observation deck almost 500 feet over the bay. From here, you can not only see incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge but also much of downtown San Francisco in the back. This viewpoint is one of the most popular in the city meaning you should expect crowds and a full parking lot.
2. Lands End
As the name suggests, Lands End is located at the northwest end of the San Francisco peninsula. You get insane views of the Pacific Ocean on the right as well as the Golden Gate Bridge on your left. On top of the Golden Gate Bridge views, hiking Lands End Trail is an experience in itself as the cliffs are simply unreal.
This photo was taken at Lands End Trail Eagles Point, right next to San Francisco’s most exclusive neighborhood: Sea Cliff. This is the place to get the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. While here, make sure to check out the Sutro Baths, Lands End Lookout, and Point Lobos.
3. Crissy Field
The photo is taken from Marina Green, right next to Crissy Field
If you’re commuting between Pier 39 and the Golden Gate Bridge, chances are you’ll pass Crissy Field. Crissy Field is a large public park just east of the Golden Gate Bridge.
This photo shows Crissy Field with the Palace of Fine Arts and downtown San Francisco in the back. Looking closely, you can see Alcatraz Island on the left side meaning that Crissy Field gives the best views of both San Francisco icons.
4. Fort Point
Fort Point is the closest you’ll get to the Golden Gate Bridge aside from when on the bridge. This fort was once used for World War 2 and now stands as a museum that you can see from the inside. The top floor has a terrace giving incredible views of the towering Golden Gate Bridge. Standing here shows the true size of how big this bridge is.
5. Vista Point
If you’re crossing the Golden Gate Bridge from the San Francisco side, chances are that Vista Point will be your first stop once you cross this bridge. Here, you’ll get an opportunity to see the Golden Gate Bridge along with downtown. You’ll even have the opportunity to cross Route 1 here to connect to other viewpoints like Battery Spencer and Hawk Hill.
6. Battery Godfrey
Battery Godfrey is an ideal lookout spot if you want an unobstructed view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Godfrey was once armed with large weapons but now stands abandoned and used as a lookout spot. It can also be seen from the California Coastal Trail providing a great midpoint stop on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge.
7. Baker Beach
Baker Beach is rated one of the best beaches in San Francisco and for good reason. The beach directly borders the Pacific Ocean with the Golden Gate Bridge clear in the background. The beach is a great place to disconnect from the urban life of San Francisco, with parking nearby. Be cautious about swimming at Baker Beach though, as the powerful riptides can make swimming here dangerous.
8. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is a different kind of lookout spot as it is not centered around the Golden Gate Bridge. Twin Peaks stands almost 1,000 feet above downtown San Francisco, giving incredible views of the San Francisco skyline. And you guessed it, the Golden Gate Bridge is a large part of this skyline. This photo above doesn’t capture it but the Golden Gate Bridge would be to the left of downtown San Francisco. If you want to go somewhere for sunrise or sunset, this is the place I would recommend as the views are unreal.
9. Alcatraz Island
Everyone knows Alcatraz Island as the former prison now visited for its museum. But Alcatraz has one more thing to see, its incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge. All of the other viewpoints are either north or south of the Golden Gate Bridge, meaning that a side view is almost impossible to see from land. Alcatraz island is directly east of the Golden Gate Bridge, meaning that you get to see a perfectly perpendicular view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Even the boat ride to and from Alcatraz gives fantastic views, so get those cameras ready.
10. Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
A list of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge wouldn’t be complete without the Golden Gate Bridge welcome center. This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs and learn the history of the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure to grab a coffee at Equator Coffees while here and enjoy unbelievable views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Air Adventure Bonus!
If you really want the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, you will have to pay the price. Several seaplane tours and helicopter tours are available giving you drone-like views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Seeing this icon on the ground is beautiful but the Golden Gate Bridge from the sky is just on another level. If you have the time and money to take one of these tours, I cannot recommend it more. It will be the highlight of your trip.
